A student who claimed she was raped on a college trip is today facing extradition to Italy to face false allegation charges.

Serena Bowes, who has waived her right to anonymity, could serve up to 12 years in an Italian prison if she is convicted of the charge.

The 21-year-old, who was on an undergraduate trip with Newcastle College to Florence, says she was raped in a unisex toilet in a nightclub in the city.

But weeks after returning home she received a letter to say she faced charges for falsifying the rape - a claim she strongly denies.

Her family have until today to find legal representation to present her case in Italy, and if they fail they say the trial could go ahead in her absence.

And as Serena, of Walker, Newcastle, launches a fight against the claims, she says she is determined to avoid going to prison.

The fashion student, who is hoping to go in the army, said: “I just don’t talk about it. It’s as if I’m telling someone else’s story.

Alleged rape victim Serena Bowes who has waived her Legal protection of anonymity to be photographed

“I will never go back to Florence because of what happened, never mind going to prison there.

“If I receive a prison sentence somewhere between four to 12 years my life will be over.”

Serena’s mum Adele, 41, added: “It’s like my hands are tied behind my back and I’m waiting for them to kidnap my daughter.”

Serena, a former pupil at Sacred Heart School, was on the trip to Italy as part of her fashion course.

The student, who is now in her second year, said her and a group of friends were having a night out when she started chatting to a man in a nightclub.

And she says the pair were making their way to the VIP area of the club when she was taken to the toilet, where the attack happened.

The assault was reported to Italian police and statements were made to officers. She was also taken to hospital, where she was examined and tests were carried out.

Following the attack Serena tried hard to get on with her life and forget about her ordeal in Italy until a letter from the Italian police landed on her doorstep.

Confused by the letter, she took it to a local police station where it was translated.

Alleged rape victim Serena Bowes who could be extradited to Italy

“I thought it was done with and I could get on with my life,” said Serena. “I didn’t think he was going to get prosecuted so I just wanted to get on with my life but this has brought everything back.

“It doesn’t feel what actually happened is the problem any more - it feels like that has actually been forgotten about.

“Once this is all over that’s when it’s going to come back and hit me.”

Serena’s mum Adele is desperately trying to seek legal advice to help with her daughter’s case.

She has also raised the case with local MPs and MEPs but she says she is yet to find the help she needs.

Carole Kitching, Principal at Newcastle College, said: “21 year-old student, Serena Bowes, told us about a serious assault whilst on a undergraduate College trip to Italy earlier this year. It took place during their free time, and as soon as staff were alerted they contacted the police and accompanied Serena, with the police to the hospital.

“Serena has been offered counselling and we continue to support her through this difficult time. We have met with her family on a number of occasions and have been in contact with her local MP about her case.”

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are aware of an incident involving a British national in May 2014. We provided consular assistance when notified of this in October 2014.

“We stand ready to provide further support to the individual and their family at this difficult time.”

A Home Office spokesperson: “As a matter of long standing policy and practice we neither confirm nor deny whether an extradition request has been made or received until such time as an arrest is made in relation to that request.”